Buongiorno, darlings!
It's Emma here, your pink-tutu-clad correspondent, landing in Milan on a blustery Wednesday morning. December is upon us, and with it, a crisp chill in the air and the intoxicating scent of pine needles. It feels like the perfect season for a ballet-themed Christmas, wouldn't you agree? This week, I'm trading my Derbyshire cobbled streets for Milan's elegant cobblestones. This week's adventure promises an explosion of artistic wonder, glamorous shops, and maybe even a little bit of Christmas cheer, served up in the most delightful way.
My trip, as always, is fuelled by the passion that makes my heart sing: ballet. I'm thrilled to be dancing with the esteemed Teatro alla Scala ballet company tonight. I'll be whirling across the stage in a brand new tutu I picked up yesterday (in the most glorious shade of rose, of course) and I just know this performance will be nothing short of breathtaking. Every night, I lose myself in the beauty and power of this ancient art form, and each show is a reminder of the magical journeys ballet can take us on.
Before I tell you all about my enchanting Milan adventures, I simply must share the fabulous story of how I got here. You see, the train journey itself was an experience! I adore train travel. There’s something so romantic about gliding through the countryside, watching the world flash by in a flurry of greens, browns and reds. My pink tutu made quite the statement amongst the usual navy and grey suits - everyone loves a splash of pink, you know! I found myself chatting with a lovely Italian gentleman in a fetching grey suit. His smile broadened when I revealed I was a ballerina. Apparently, his grandmother had been a ballerina in her youth! We talked about La Scala and the magical world of ballet, and even discussed our favourite tutu colours. It was heartwarming to see how easily a little pink can spark a conversation!
Speaking of tutus, darlings, the one I snagged yesterday is simply heavenly! I stumbled across a shop overflowing with tulle, sequins, and delicate embroidery, nestled amidst the winding streets of the city. It's one of those hidden treasures that make the thrill of the hunt so rewarding! The shop itself felt like a fairytale. It was crammed with vintage dance wear, a glorious jumble of velvet slippers, feathered boas, and countless rows of sparkling tutus, each one a work of art. I knew the second I saw the delicate rose-pink hue of this particular tutu that it was meant to be mine. And let me tell you, this tutu is the epitome of classic elegance – a whirlwind of tulle with just a touch of sparkle, it will leave a lasting impression on every audience member I grace the stage for. I can’t wait to unveil it this evening!
And of course, I wouldn't be a true pink-tutu blogger without mentioning the fashion finds I unearthed in Milan. Let me just say, this city is a veritable feast for the eyes when it comes to fashion. From the haute couture houses of Via Montenapoleone to the independent boutiques hidden down cobbled side streets, Milan brims with creativity and chic.
Today, I stumbled upon a delightful vintage boutique. It was tucked away on a quiet street, lined with ivy and cobblestones, a charming secret hidden in plain sight. Stepping inside, it felt like stepping back in time, the walls lined with stunning vintage dresses, flowing capes, and delicate lace gloves. I felt like I'd stumbled onto a movie set, or perhaps a magical portal to another era. I picked up the most exquisite hand-painted vintage brooch featuring a graceful ballerina, its delicate detail and feminine design capturing the spirit of the art form I love so much. I've already imagined pairing it with a flowing floral dress or a simple black turtleneck – the possibilities are endless!
My dear readers, you can always count on me to seek out the best Italian coffee. After my shopping spree, I treated myself to a cappuccino in a cosy little cafe with charming wrought iron furniture and a view of the bustling Piazza del Duomo. I enjoyed every sip, watching the world go by – an elegant mix of stylish Milanese, eager tourists, and street musicians filling the air with their vibrant music. This is the real heart of Milan, a city pulsating with life and charm. As I wrote in my blog post last week about Verona, the world's a beautiful place to travel, and even if we're only an hour or two away from the chaos, we can find pockets of peace and beauty just waiting to be discovered.
And now, with just a few hours until curtain call, I must whisk myself away to La Scala. I have a dress rehearsal to attend, followed by an exciting pre-show supper with the cast.
Remember to tune in next week, darlings, for my post all about the performance! I'll be spilling the tea on everything from the backstage camaraderie to the dazzling finale.
Until then, may your days be filled with sparkle and twirls, and remember, everyone looks stunning in pink!
With a twirl and a smile,
Emma xx
P.S. If you're wondering about what's on in Milan this week, I can give you a few tips. For those of you with a love of culture, there's an incredible exhibition on Italian Baroque architecture at the Pinacoteca di Brera, a true visual feast. And for those seeking a Christmas spirit, the city is already glittering with twinkling lights and beautifully decorated trees. It truly is a magical time to visit Milan, full of holiday cheer and enchanting traditions.
P.P.S. And to sweeten your December, here's a little ballet-inspired Christmas treat for you! Imagine the joy of ballet woven into every element of the festive season:
Christmas Tree Decorations: Instead of baubles, adorn your Christmas tree with graceful miniature ballerinas made of delicate porcelain or glass, or even string delicate strands of tulle for an extra ethereal touch.
Gift Wrapping: Go beyond plain paper with vibrant, flowing pink ribbons. Instead of bows, why not create a delicate ballerina bow, with a twist of ribbon to capture her graceful twirl?
Festive Ballet Classes: Take advantage of the holidays to embrace your inner ballerina! There are many studios offering special festive ballet classes, allowing you to feel the spirit of the season with every step.
Christmas Dinner: Embrace your inner ballet star with a festive twist! Include small sugar plums amongst your festive dessert or create delicate ballet inspired edible decorations!
I hope you find this inspiration magical, my dearest readers! Remember, with a sprinkle of creativity and a passion for the dance, there's a ballet-inspired Christmas joy waiting to be discovered in every corner.
Don't forget to follow my weekly adventures on Pink-Tutu.com and remember, darlings, wear pink!
Love,
Emma
xx
